CES: Tool lets parents cut the power to devices

If you’re a kid, it’s a cruel practical joke. For adults, it may save dinnertime and ensure adherence to bedtime.

Kelli B. Grant

The new Tethercell battery case fits around your garden-variety AA, and syncs with an app that lets you control battery usage. Tethercell went on sale this week on crowdfunding site Indiegogo for prices of $25 and up, with an estimated June delivery. On a practical level, the device could help consumers extend the life of their AAs. Devices won’t draw power when they’re designated as off, avoiding energy waste. The app also monitors battery life, helping users avoid a dead device at crucial moments.

But Tetherboard founders say the Tethercell’s other purpose is to help parents control kids’ devices, cutting off power when the magic “five more minutes” deadline has passed, or keeping kids to set schedules for use — as in, playtime comes after the homework is finished. (Co-founder Trey Madhyastha says the Tethercell has awarded him mythic powers at home: His kids are convinced he can turn any device on or off with his phone.)

That dual purpose is just as well. Battery-preservation tactics vary in their efficiency, says Andrew Eisner, director of content for Retrevo.com. “What’s useful is more battery capacity,” he says.

Senior consumer reporter and “Deal of Day” columnist Kelli B. Grant travels to Las Vegas to find the best, the worst, and the most hyped gadgets at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Join her as she roams the exhibit floor for three days, with dispatches here and on Twitter @kelligrant.

2013 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Senior consumer reporter Kelli B. Grant will travel booth to booth at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (Jan. 8-11) to find the best, the worst, and the most-hyped gadgets and gizmos. Read her dispatches and follow other CES news and tweets here. (Photo at 2012 CES: Getty Images)

CES: Tool lets parents cut the power to devices

If you’re a kid, it’s a cruel practical joke. For adults, it may save dinnertime and ensure adherence to bedtime.

Kelli B. Grant

The new Tethercell battery case fits around your garden-variety AA, and syncs with an app that lets you control battery usage. Tethercell went on sale this week on crowdfunding site Indiegogo for prices of $25 and up, with an estimated June delivery. On a practical level, the device could help consumers extend the life of their AAs. Devices won’t draw power when they’re designated as off, avoiding energy waste. The app also monitors battery life, helping users avoid a dead device at crucial moments.

But Tetherboard founders say the Tethercell’s other purpose is to help parents control kids’ devices, cutting off power when the magic “five more minutes” deadline has passed, or keeping kids to set schedules for use — as in, playtime comes after the homework is finished. (Co-founder Trey Madhyastha says the Tethercell has awarded him mythic powers at home: His kids are convinced he can turn any device on or off with his phone.)

That dual purpose is just as well. Battery-preservation tactics vary in their efficiency, says Andrew Eisner, director of content for Retrevo.com. “What’s useful is more battery capacity,” he says.

Senior consumer reporter and “Deal of Day” columnist Kelli B. Grant travels to Las Vegas to find the best, the worst, and the most hyped gadgets at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Join her as she roams the exhibit floor for three days, with dispatches here and on Twitter @kelligrant.